Your luxury vacation 2024 guide: for the best wildlife experiences, design-forward stays, and some less crowded newbies.
Wondering what the best places to travel for world class luxury in 2024 are? It is quite tough to give an answer as they’re literally all over the place (which, in this case, is a very good thing).
Discover the jet set island of Mykonos Greece.
Over the past quarter of a century, the low-lying, sun-drenched island of Mykonos in the Aegean has been considered one of the most elegant and jetsetter island holiday destinations in Greece. Talking about world class travel, the Cycladic Island has welcomed the rich and famous, and anyone who likes to party past sunrise will adore Mykonos Town. There are many things to do on Mykonos, which we will explain below. Barely seen an island with such beautiful white architecture. Even the airport is a ‘design’ piece of art, which is in my opinion one of the most beautiful ones.
What else makes Mykonos a reason to go? Well, you definitely cannot miss Mykonos-Town during sunset. It’s absolutely gorgeous overviewing the windmills and the famous, picturesque Little Venice Bay with many lovely cocktail bars.
Whether you’re looking for a petite, secluded cove lapped by azure waters or a wide stretch of soft white sand covered, Mykonos has a beach to suit your desires. The island boasts 25 beaches, and they’re justifiably Mykonos’ biggest natural attraction.
Go rent a Jeep and explore the island like the standard on the island. If possible, try to avoid high season as parking spots (likewise availability in restaurants, etc.) are usually limited.
Where to stay? Based on our own experienced, featured collection of Mykonos hotels we highly recommend; Bill&Coo Suites for ultimate luxury (member of Leading Hotels of the world). Branco for an all-in-one experience; bohemian luxury and beach club, and Semeli, a quiet and beautiful sea-themed hotel with swimming pool, restaurant and friendly staff; the best budget option in Mykonos-Town. If your budget allows, Mykonos has many stunning villas to rent as well with terrific infinity pools and magnificent views.
Mykonos inspiration luxury hotels mykonos
Lake Como captures all the very best elements of Italy. Como (aka Lario) is the most ‘James Bond’ of all the Italian lakes, where shiny red Ferraris weave through narrow streets of lakeside towns and classic yet colorful villas take on a whole new level of luxury.
From mouthwatering food and spectacular views to swimming, style and – for much of the year – plenty of sunshine. Usually, the weather in Lake Como in April is usually already nice spring weather.
Lake Como is also famous because parts of the 2006 Bond movie Casino Royale were filmed here and many of the fancy lakeside hotels have an according 007 price tag. Another piece of inside information; famous George Clooney has owned a villa here for over 20 years.
Logistically, there are many trains going from Milan to Lake Como (arrival at Como). Lake Como is also very suitable for a day trip from Milan. When arrived at Como, you can easily take plenty of ferries to the somewhat large cities around the lake. While it’s easily accessible by train, for more intimacy it’s also less than an hour’s drive from Milan meaning it’s the picture-perfect short road trip destination.
The only matter left is which are the best places to stay in Lake Como? The most astonishing hotels to bookmark are summed up for you for the ultimate Lake Como getaway.
Passalacqua
Passalacqua is Lake Como’s newest and most impressive hotel. Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s little sister.
Villa Lario
With just nine suites (all lake view) and accessed sharply from Como’s one road, this place feels definitively private, set apart, very much on its own picturesque high pinnacle hanging over the water. Read our Villa Lario hotel review.
Il sereno
The construction of something entirely new and pretty modern on Lake Como was always going to raise suspenseful eyebrows – although Sereno’s bold, fresh look very much reflects the area’s healthy and wealthy atmosphere.
A dreamy set and world-class vineyards make Alentejo a wine-lover’s paradise—and it’s all just a short drive from the Portuguese capital Lisbon.
The giant plain of Alentejo, which bows over the southern half of Portugal, is sprinkled with picturesque castle towns and quiet, hilltop villages, olive groves and fields of cork oaks and many sunflowers. This sleepy province is an ideal holiday spot for those seeking relaxation, heat and a little bit of culture.
Best hotels to stay in Alentejo for your next luxury vacation in 2023:
Dá Licença
With only six rooms and suites, this luxury property is completely renovated, old, white-washed farm standing amongst 300 acres of olive groves and projecting marble rocks has raised the bar in Portugal’s raw, authentic Alentejo.
Quinta da Comporta
The true bohemian feeling designed by Miguel Câncio Martins, who has made his debut as a hotelier with this skilful conversion of an ancient rice farm into 73 rooms, an all-wood restaurant and spa right on the edge of the rice fields and a shiny infinity pool which stretches between them.
luxury HOTEL INSPIRATION
Here you will find plenty of design-forward boutique hotels within the region’s jungle and waterways (called cenotes).
The Yucatán Peninsula is an exciting part of Latin America and an absolute must to visit. It is home to some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world (some of the UNESCO heritage), offers world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, and claims beautiful white beaches and tropical jungle. Besides this, Yucatan has plenty of luxury (boutique) hotels to offer. Go beyond Cancun and Playa del Carmen and you will be immersed by the beauty and its delicious Mexican-cuisine.
Even though it is quite a drive (close to border of Belize), we highly recommend to visit Bacalar. They’re also known as ‘The Maldives of Mexico’. It is absolutely breathtaking and not so touristic as other areas (probably because it is quite far away from e.g., Cancun). From this point you can easily move on to Tulum. Here you will find the finest boutique hotels first line on the beach with a bohemian touch. Or head to Mérida, the colonial, cultural heart of the peninsula.
And then the question raises, what are the best hotels of Yucatan? With so many luxurious hotels in relative short distance, it is really hard to choose from. However, we did our best to at least sum-up our favorites for your luxury vacation in 2023:
Casa Chablé
North of Bacalar, tucked within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve lies Casa Chablé. Thir property welcomes wellness enthusiasts to its deluxe villas—all with private pools—in the heart of the Mayan Forest.
Hotel Esencia
Hotel Esencia is Mexico as you see in many postcards, with the flawless beach out front, a Yucatán jungle in the rear and a hacienda-style home you can check into.
Maroma, a Belmond Hotel
Perfectly positioned between lush jungle and sparkling white sand, Maroma is a tropical treat on the Riviera Maya. Recently renovated and will reopen with 10 new waterfront suites, a culinary agenda overseen by chef Daniel Camacho, and a new look that will showcase Mayan design and culture with work by local artisans.
Go for: ultra-luxurious safari lodges, intense white beaches, Caribbean blue water and city hotspots.
If you ask me which destination will you remember forever? That will definitely be Kenya. Been here twice as this country has so much to offer. Start with a one in a lifetime safari and relax at one of the most stunning beaches of the Indian Ocean. One of the most famous and a must-visit is Masai Mara NP, with its high concentrated variety of wildlife.
Start at Nairobi after your long-haul flight, head to Masai Mara NP (or include Lake Naivasha to spot flamingos and hippos mainly). After some days in Masai Mara, drive back to Nairobi for an extension of the safari on the way to the beach in Tsavo East and Tsavo West. These national parks are the biggest ones of Kenya and is a nice ‘route’ heading towards your beach extension. Or combine Amboseli as well if you are a big fan of elephants.
With the Kilimanjaro view in the back, there are several options along the coastline to enjoy the beautiful, extremely white beaches of Kenya. We stayed at Diani Beach, which is very, very beautiful. You can easily see the colorful starfishes in the turquoise sea.
As there are many great options to stay, below some not-to-miss luxury hotels for your luxury vacation in Kenya 2023:
Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, often referred to as one of the most instagrammed properties in the world. One of the most fascinating things about this hotel is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat.
Msambweni Beach House
Looking for a small-scale boutique hotel as your luxury beach escape? This is your address. Inside the hotel’s suites and villas, white is the dominant theme, with Arabian influences providing characterful accents.
Sasaab Lodge Samburu
Perched on the edge of a river valley, the architecture of Sasaab blends Swahili and Moroccan design principals in which the African heat is of primary consideration. Each of the nine canvas-sided rooms is over 100m² with private plunge pools and breath-taking views.
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